Abstract: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece to dislodge the mass. In one embodiment, the membrane is substituted by a manually displaceable sealing member, which is resealed after use of the device by movement of a vacuum-generating plunger.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system for treating skin includes a handpiece assembly comprising a tip and a main body portion, the main body portion comprising an interior cavity and at least one canister configured to store at least one of a treatment material and a waste material. The treatment material and/or the waste material is in fluid communication with the tip.

Abstract: A central body or device adapted to take payment in a variety of means and dispense sunscreen, insect repellant, hand sanitizers, or similar lotions, gels, or liquids. The sunscreen (or similar lotion, gel or liquid) may be dispensed in foil packets, plastic bladders, gel packs, or similar containers, or may be dispensed directly, such as through a spray attachment. The device may be unpowered, or powered by a battery, solar panel, or electrical power supply. The device may accept payment in a variety of forms: coins, bills, credit or debit cards, a hotel or resort access or room card, or the like. It may be mounted on a wall or vertical flat surface, or mounted on a pole or stand.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained device is described for the topical application of oxygen and the removal of wound exudates to promote the healing of skin wounds. The device includes a wound dressing that incorporates at least one electrochemical cell for generating oxygen. The device can regulate the supply of oxygen to the wound at various concentrations, pressures and dosages and is used to produce a high concentration of oxygen at the wound site. By reversing the polarity of the power source a reduced pressure can be created in a reservoir attached to our device. The reduced pressure in the reservoir draws naturally flowing exudates away from the wound. Alternately, two reverse polarity cells are used to alternately supply oxygen and draw away exudates.

Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for delivering mechanical energy to an expanse of skin, wherein the apparatus includes: (a) a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface, wherein the skin-contactable element includes an agent selected from the group consisting of a benefit agent, an apparatus-enhancing agent, and combinations thereof; (b) a motor; and (c) a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the agent is configured to release from the skin contactable element to the expanse of skin upon contacting the skin-contactable surface with the expanse of skin.

Abstract: A surgical tool (21) for probing bone tissue includes an elongate member (30, 30?, 30?) coupled to a handle assembly (50). The handle assembly (50) is electrically coupled to a electrical signal source (22). The surgical tool (21) includes an electrically conductive portion (34) in communication with an un-insulated distal end of the elongate member (30, 30?, 30?), and an insulated portion extending from the tip along the elongate member (30, 30?, 30?) and handle assembly (50).

Abstract: An absorbent article, e.g. tampons, sanitary napkins, panty liners and the like, and the process for their preparation in which a hydrophobic and/or cationactive layer is attached to a conventional absorbent layer, for the binding of microorganisms, specifically for treating or alleviating or prophylactically preventing vaginal fungal infections.

Abstract: A vacuum bandage is provided for use with a wound having a wound surface. The bandage is connectable to a vacuum source and includes a wound dressing member having a wound contacting surface, a top surface, and a port configured for communication with the vacuum source. The wound dressing member further includes holes in the wound contacting surface configured for communication with the wound surface of the wound and a passageway between the port and each hole. The vacuum bandage further includes a pack adjacent to the top surface of the member. The pack may include an aperture positioned about the port.

Abstract: A personal skin polishing or microdermabrasion device having a convenient form factor with a applicator attached to a contoured housing with a handle portion. The housing contains a battery, a cordless motor and a gear box to provide an appropriate rotational velocity to the output shaft that is coupled to the applicator. The applicator may be a foam material selected to cushion the skin from excessive abrasion to the particles in a personal care composition to be used with device, and to have a porosity that will enable the foam to interact with the particles and enhance the skin polishing effect.

Abstract: A kit for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprising an enclosure which includes a base portion and a removable top layer releasably secured to the base portion; an adhesive removing device including at least one wiping mechanism which includes at least one absorbent portion; and a biocompatible composition including a solvent and a moisturizing agent embedded in the absorbent portion of the wiping mechanism. A method for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprises a series of steps for using the adhesive removing device to remove an adhesive from a surface.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a preselected treatment site, includes a rupturable film capsule enclosing a quantity of the drug to be delivered; an array of micro-needles formed with passageways therethrough carried by the device; a covering layer overlying the capsule and forming a fluid-tight seal with the perimeter of the micro-needle array such that when the device is located with the micro-needles facing the treatment site, the application of pressure to the device causes the micro-needles to penetrate the treatment site and the capsule film to rupture to deliver the drug via the passageways to the treatment site; and an open mesh layer adjacent to the array of micro-needles effective, upon rupture of the capsule film, to uniformly distribute the drug to the micro-needles and also to reduce the possibility of clogging of the passageways.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ozone treatment apparatus using ozone gas, in which the ozone gas is directly injected to a lesion of the human body by utilizing the sterilizing power caused by oxidation of ozone gas, so that the lesion can be sterilized and stanched to relieve the pain in the lesion, thereby maximizing therapeutic effect by the ozone irrespective of the shape of bodily regions having the lesion and the kind of lesion, and so that the treatment using ozone gas can be readily conducted, thereby improving convenience in use as well as significantly reducing the cost and time spent for the treatment.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool, comprising a handle with a substantially elongated fluid guide extending away therefrom, which fluid guide terminates, at a distal end, in a brush head and is connectable, at a proximal end, to the fluid chamber accommodated in the handle, such that, during use, fluid can flow from the fluid chamber through the fluid guide in order to be dispensed via the brush head, wherein the brush head is accommodated in an insertion sleeve, and is slidable from a first position in which the brush head is located inside the insertion sleeve to a second position in which at least a part of the brush head extends outside the insertion sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a subject suffering from contracture provides a threaded and flexible cleaning tool for insertion between muscles joints or body parts suffering from contracture requiring no prying open of joints or minimally prying open of joints in order to facilitate cleaning of body parts otherwise obstructed by the contracture.

Abstract: To provide a chip for collecting analyte from a living body. Specifically, the chip includes a thin plate-shaped main body, an analyte inlet portion, and a thin portion. Analyte is introduced into the analyte inlet portion, which is formed within the main body. The thin portion partitions the space forming the analyte inlet portion from the external space. According to the chip of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the time for collecting analyte from a living body using a hypodermic syringe or the like, and placing the collected analyte into the chip. Also, the chip according to the present invention does not leave analyte remaining at the position from which the analyte was extracted, so after the test the position where the analyte was extracted from the living body is clean.

Abstract: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site.

Abstract: This invention, Aswipe, is a pad lubricated with a white vasoline like pure petroleum jelly on a non-textile material like Kleenex, Viva paper towel, folded into a pad as shown in drawings. On page 3. FIG. 1, the open sheet of soft material, Viva paper towel size (3?×11?). FIG. 2, the sheet in FIG. 1 is folded in ½ and the center section, shown as a screened pattern (FIG. 3 page 4) is the lubricated area. (A gentle lubricant, such as Vasoline, pure petroleum jelly). The size is now (3?×5½?). FIG. 3, the sheet in FIG. 3 is folded in ½ once more to a finished size of (3?×2??). FIG. 5 the finished lubricated pad in FIG. 4, ready for use, is then vacuum packed and heat-sealed into a plastic package, ready for use.

Abstract: Onions (Allium Cepa and its close relatives, as opposed to Allium Sativum) contain potent coagulation modulators, as well as platelet inhibitors. Clinical, in vivo and in vitro testing confirms that the efficacy of commonly consumed quantities of onions in terms of the efficacy of its impact on coagulation and platelet function rivals and in many respects exceeds the potency of any other modalities available today. Additionally, onion compounds have unique effects as described later in this application.

Abstract: A container has an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the structure of the closed eye. Heat which is generated by an exothermic reaction inside the container, which provides steady-state heat to the eyelids. A soft, non-abrasive, lint-free material is presoaked in a pH controlled (preferably antibacterial and hypoallergenic) detergent, with or without an ophthalmic antibiotic solution. The compress may also have a handle which makes holding and maneuvering the compress more feasible, while protecting the user's fingers from the heat, and preventing the contamination of the compress by the fingers. The compress may be packed in a watertight, sterile wrapper which will prevent drying of the detergent solution. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method to manage delivery of healthcare via a plurality of resources to a patient is provided. The system and method track and output a signal representative of a location of at least one of a series of resources relative to a control volume associated with the patient, acquire at least one signal representative of detecting ingress or egress of at least one of the plurality of resources relative to the control volume; and output a first signal representative of one of a series of milestones as defined in a predetermined protocol in response to detecting ingress or egress of at least one of the resources relative to the control volume.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of delivery of topical compositions, such as povidone iodine, anti-itch compositions or anti-fungal compositions, for home use that is effective, yet spreading to non-target areas. A plurality of absorbent pads are located in a container, a fluid containing the composition absorbed onto the pads, the pads being sufficiently absorbent to accept a unit dose of the fluid therein, such that the pads in the container when handled are moist but not soaking, the dose applied with slight pressure when the pad contacts the target area, thereby avoiding spread of the fluid to non-target areas, or dripping onto nearby surfaces.

Abstract: A drug delivery system including a chamber, which is configured for enclosing or covering at least a surface of a patient, a source of a drug and a pressure source, which selectively pressurizes the chamber. In addition, the system includes a controller for controlling the transfer of the drug to the chamber wherein the drug is administered to the surface of the patient under pressure.

Abstract: A personal care apparatus (1) is provided with a suction nozzle configuration (4) which has two different suction nozzles (15, 22) with two different suction sections (27, 26), wherein the suction nozzles (15, 22) are held adjustably in relation to each other along a path of motion (16) which is preferably perpendicularly to their suction sections (27, 26), so that by means of an adjustment of this type in each case one of the suction nozzles (15, 22) may be adjusted with its suction section (27, 26) into an operating position permitting suctorial interaction with an area of the skin.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.

Abstract: A method and device for administering minoxidil and other topical solutions to the scalp. The method entails administering a minoxidil preparation through a manifold that fits over the scalp of a patient.

Abstract: One embodiment of a thin plastic applicator (1) containing a thinner plastic bubble (2) adhering to the inner surface (3) and containing a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide with one or more local anesthetic agent. A thick plastic rib (4) provides reinforcement, separating two textured sides (5) for ease of handling. A thick plastic rim (6) is attached to an adhesive foam ring and covered with protective paper (7). Removing this paper, the applicator is adhered to a disinfected and dry treatment site, and squeezed to break the inside bubble. After sufficient time to allow penetration of the anesthetizing agent, the bubble is removed, and medication or additional anesthetic injected painlessly. This replaces currently employed less effective methods of topical anesthesia, and provides health care professionals a means of fear and pain reduction where before none was available.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stretchable sleeve having a medicinal section that can be loaded with a medicinal composition and a perforated section comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the medicinal section and the perforated section overlap, and wherein the sleeve is sized so that the interior surface of the medicinal section comfortably fits a body portion and the medicinal section contacts the body portion at the site of pain. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for preparing a sleeve by applying a medicinal composition to the inner surface of the medicinal section through the openings at the perforated section. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for relieving pain in a body portion by pulling the sleeve in an outside-out configuration straight up a body portion without having to roll and flip its exterior surface outside.

Abstract: Wet wipes comprising a pathogen selective antimicrobial agent and an optional broad spectrum antimicrobial agent are disclosed. The pathogen selective antimicrobial agent is a Yucca species extract. The optional broad spectrum antimicrobial agent may be a synthetic broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, or a natural broad spectrum antimicrobial agent such as a botanical extract.

Abstract: A medical device (1) comprising a memory (21), a processor (20), a medical device interface (2), and a program configured to process data obtained or generated by the medical device (1) into a format readable by a personal computer browser or spreadsheet program. The program further is configured to automatically initiate the computer browser or spreadsheet program of a personal computer (5) to display the processed data using standard software when the medical device interface (2) is connected to a personal computer interface (4).

Abstract: A water based polymeric dispersion for PSA adhesive preparation for transdermal system comprising: a) an aqueous dispersion of a polymer of an acrylate and/or a methacrylate ester, b) a plasticizer c) a shrinkage reducing agent able to reduce the shrinkage of the water PSA dispersion when spread onto a surface to width values lower than 20 mm after 3 minutes rest.

Abstract: A medical valve includes: (a) a housing having a hollow body opened at the top end, wherein the tip of a male luer is to be removably inserted in the housing; (b) a spike disposed to extend longitudinally in the housing, the spike except at least the top end portion being formed in an approximately tapered shape in which its outside diameter becomes progressively smaller toward the top end portion, wherein a fluid transferring passage, which is opened radially outwardly, is formed to extend longitudinally in the spike; and (c) an elastic seal having an elastically deformable tubular shape fitted on the spike to seal the spike, the elastic seal including a top end portion having an openable/closable portion to be openably closed over the spike, wherein the elastic seal is elastically deformed to be downwardly shrunk by downward pressure due to the tip of the male luer.

Abstract: A subdivided fixed amount distributing apparatus for aerosol containers is provided in which aerosol contents exceeding a specified amount is prevented from being used in one cycle by keeping constant in total number of injection times at all times. A structure is simplified by making it possible to eject total amount to the outside every one time by means of a fixed amount injection valve, so that damage to the distributing apparatus due to outside air temperature is prevented and movement of the distributing apparatus is made smooth when it is pushed and released.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrostatically coating a body surface with a coating composition. An apparatus of the present invention includes an enclosure, a mount positioned on the enclosure, and an electrostatic nozzle connected to the mount, the electrostatic nozzle adapted for passing the coating composition for deposition on the body surface. The apparatus further includes a floor surface within the enclosure, the floor surface having a resistive electrical connection.

Abstract: A wound treatment system includes a sponge including a first surface adapted to confront a wound bed of a patient, a drape in contact with a second surface of the sponge, and a vacuum source for distributing a vacuum force through the sponge. The system also includes a wound separator having a sidewall defining an interior chamber, wherein at least a portion of an exterior of the sidewall confronts at least an interior portion of the sponge. An ostomy appliance is operatively connected to the wound separator to receive substances passing out of the wound separator.

Abstract: A bathtub apparatus is provided, including a nanobubble and/or nanosized medical component generating section to combine at least either of nanobubbles or a nanosized medical component with bath water from a bathtub and to circulate the bath water to the bathtub.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel NO-donating compounds, designed such that when NO is released from the compound a residue which is a naturally occurring metabolite is formed, and thus a development of tolerance to the compounds upon repetitive administration is prevented or decreased. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such NO-donating compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medical devices containing such compounds and methods utilizing such compounds in the treatment of various medical conditions.

Abstract: An implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body is disclosed. The implantable device has an elongated member adapted for insertion into the opening. A bioabsorbable material is provided on at least a portion of the elongated member and a pharmaceutical agent is carried by the bioabsorbable material for eluting into the mammalian body when the elongated member is disposed in the opening. An apparatus for use with a supply of bioabsorbable material to prepare an implantable device for use in an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body and a method of delivering a medicament to an externally-accessible pierced opening in a mammalian body are also disclosed. A kit including a container having a bioabsorbable material and medicament for applying to the implantable device prior to insertion into the externally-accessible pierced opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lotion applicator which provides total, even coverage of the back of the user and does not require manual dexterity or stretching, consisting of a door mount, rotor, rotor guide, and one or more pads. The door mount is attached to a vertical surface, preferably a door, but the device can also be mounted to a wall. The user stands with her back against the device and, raising her arms to about shoulder level, grabs a handle attached to the rotor guide and pushes up, thus lifting the rotor guide. The rotor travels with the guide, whereupon one or more pads, which are impregnated with lotion and attached to the rotor in an off-center position, spin along the back of the user, spreading lotion.

Abstract: A vaccine spraying apparatus for vaccinating day-old chicks that includes a vaccine container with an agitation mechanism for mixing vaccine and diluent through controlled agitation. Vaccine is drawn from the container by a volumetric pump and dispensed through a plurality of spray nozzles mounted over a conveyor. Chicks contained in trays are moved along the conveyor to pass under the spray nozzles. The volume and orientation of the vaccine spray is controlled by a digital micro-control unit receiving data from a tracking device adjacent the conveyor that senses the position and speed of the trays.

Abstract: A personal care composition in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion is disclosed that provides improves skin feel. The personal care composition comprises from a silicone elastomer; a silicone fluid; a particulate material having a refractive index of less than about 1.8; a polymeric thickener; and water. The personal care composition may be substantially devoid of opacifying particulate material. A consumer product comprising the personal care composition is also disclosed. The consumer product allows for the application of the personal care composition to the skin or other keratinous tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for iontophoretic delivery of a drug to on into a tissue, comprising an arrangement that prevents operation of the device at a current density that is higher than a predetermined value, the arrangement including first means responsive to a first data item, indicative of the surface area through which the current is to pass, as to set the maximal current allowed at the surface area indicated by the data item. The present invention also provides a method for iontophorectivally administering drug to or into a tissue, comprising determination of a maximal allowed level of current density and preventing application of current density above the maximal allowed level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for delivering to a patient's first bodily site and allowing bodily transport therefrom to one or more second bodily sites of a medically, physiologically, neurologically or other health-beneficial species, the at least one species or species precursor which would normally be one or more of volatile, gaseous, vaporous, sublimating, reactive, unacceptably degradable, toxic, hazardous, metastable or unstable if stored in unprotected ambient atmospheric conditions

Abstract: A dressing for treating wounds, especially chronic wounds, includes a liquid-absorbing wound pad. A reservoir for receiving liquid is located on the side of the wound pad facing away from the body. The wound pad is connected to the reservoir via valves and/or a semi-permeable membrane so as to create a directed liquid flow from the wound pad into the reservoir.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent in the form of particles comprises a first component and a second component bound thereto, each component having hemostatic properties. Additional components may also be included. The first component may be a zeolite and the second component may be clay. A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a receptacle for retaining particles of a hemostatic agent therein, at least a portion of the receptacle being defined by a mesh. A pad for controlling bleeding comprises a mesh structure defined by openings sized to accommodate the flow of blood therethrough and also by a hemostatic agent retained in the mesh structure. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound comprises a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and a hemostatic agent retained in the mesh. The mesh is defined by a plurality of members arranged to define openings through which blood may flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel chitin derivatives and their use in medical treatments of plastic surgery, dermocosmesis and therapy, in particular it relates to natural chitin derivatives, like chitin in nanofibrillar form, oxychitin and other chemical derivatives of chitin, chitosan-hyaluronate and associations for use as subcutaneous fillers or skin protectants.

Abstract: A system and method for rejuvenating skin through ablation using a handheld device (200) having a removable treatment component (213) with an abrasive material on one surface of the component which surface is on a portion of the treatment component (213) configured to conform to a skin surface. The system further includes application of other elements to facilitate skin recovery and rejuvenation processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing meibomian glands in the eyelids of humans for meibomian gland disease is provided. The apparatus comprises a handle, and a probe tip mounted for movement relative to said handle such that when the probe tip is placed against the eyelid and compressive force is applied, movement of the handle a preselected distance replicates the force required for natural expression of secretion from the meibomian gland. Movement of the handle relative to the probe tip the preselected distance exerts a force of between about 5 grams per 30 mm2 and 40 grams per 30 mm2 and preferably a force of approximately 15 grams per 30 mm2. An indicator means selected from the group consisting of auditory, visual and tactile signals is provided and when activated alerts the clinician that the required force has been reached. According to the method of the present invention a probe tip is located in contacting relation with the eyelid, the probe tip being connected to a handle.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator for applying a cleaning solution to the umbilical cord area of a newborn. The hygienic applicator includes a support member that is substantially cylindrical in shape. The support member includes two ends. Superposed on each end is a tip made from an absorbent material that is designed to retain a desired cleaning solution and assist the user in applying the cleaning solution to the desired area. The support member is further enclosed in a container having a cavity of sufficient size to substantially enclose the support member therein and prevent the evaporation of the cleaning solution for the applicator. The container further includes an opening mechanism for facilitating the easy opening of the container.

Abstract: A contact lens with a conductive outer shell (one electrode of a two-electrode electrophoresis device) and a preferably soft, preferably disposable contact lens for contacting a patient's eye, assists in delivering dilation drops or other medicaments to a patient's eye. Advantageously, the lens is used with a relatively small hand-held power source. Electrophoresis can be used to help deliver dilation drops more rapidly, regardless of the delivery apparatus used for the electrophoresis.

Abstract: A surgical hand tool, comprising a handle with a substantially elongated fluid guide extending away therefrom, which fluid guide terminates, at a distal end, in a brush head and is connectable, at a proximal end, to the fluid chamber accommodated in the handle, such that, during use, fluid can flow from the fluid chamber through the fluid guide in order to be dispensed via the brush head, wherein the brush head is accommodated in an insertion sleeve, and is slidable from a first position in which the brush head is located inside the insertion sleeve to a second position in which at least a part of the brush head extends outside the insertion sleeve.